Anybody have the Benson Preamp(orig or germ) or a Hudson Broadcast (any version)?

[Pine Apple Slim]

Id love to hear you comments. Ive been on a simplifying kick down to the pedals that I actually use live. Riight now its boiled down to a tuner of course, sometimes a FF but only if Im playing a Strat, a Diamond Jr comp as a subtle always on security blanket, the Browne Protein, and a DM2w analog delay. Into the Carr with its killer verb and trem thats all I use. But Id like an dirt alternative to the smooth Nashville thing, something a bit edgier and rockier.
These preamps have me interested, but it's a big investment.
Thinking If I got the Germanium Benson I might could kick off the Diamond Comp Jr and prob never bother with a FF anymore. Or keeping the comp, any of these would make another killer core tone alternative to the Protein.
Am I wrong?
In any case I would love to hear some thoughts on either of these preamps.

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

Well I just went ahead and ordered the Germanium Benson.
If my plan works out there will likely be another big PAS pedal liquidation sale coming soon.

 

[jrockbridge]

Looks cool. You’ll have to let us know what you think once it arrives.

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

I kept going back and forth on these but decided on the softer Germanium. Best I can tell the reg model is brighter w faster attack & more gain and the Broadcast even morso, glassy even. I just want a different crunchy thing as alternative to smoother Protein Green side. Still think the Germ pre will be different enough character, like a smaller amp/tweedy breakup thing. Plus clean up like a FF cranked. Thats the plan anyway.

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

Here's the plan for my ultimate no nonsense gigging board w everything I need and nothing I dont. Im ditching the Diamond Comp Jr safety blanket and the ph95 which I only used for a Waylon tune or two. I have some taller feet for the little flat board to get the mini iso brick underneath. Switching to the Polytune on true bypass so I can hit the Benson Germanium Preamp directly with the guitar for max control/cleanup from vol knob. When playing a Strat hopefully I can crank the Benson's gain and use it like a Fuzz Face.

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

Got the little board built except for the Benson due in next Mon or Tue. This weekend I’ll just run the Diamond comp and the Protein.

 

[Lerxst]

I know you've already made your choice but I've had great results in the past just by emailing the builder.

I'm also fortunate to have some local shops that have pretty solid relationships & experience w/ all sorts of tasty product that can steer me in the right direction. Hanks music exchange is my go-to and Hank has always given me great advice. They're a Benson dealer & Benson is local too.

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

The Ge preamp came yesterday and I tried it out a bit this morning with the old fat neck Pinecaster Tele with the Wilde Keystones, my most trad straight up Tele, and man the pedal makes that thing bark and really come alive. It's not as dark or as compressed as I expected. It's both more open and has less total gain available than I thought, but thats a good thing, esp for live use. The thing stacks great with either side of the Protein, no mud into the green side, and the blue side will def boost the heck out it and get you heard.
Getting used to no compressor again is gonna take me a min, but I will adjust.